WHEN PEOPLE wonder how I remain motivated to stay fit, I like to refer them to my lengthy list of favorite bakeries, restaurants and ice cream shops. I love food; ergo, I work out.

Combining the two is even better. Tell me we’re getting a burger after the hike, and I may run down the mountain.

Cyclists also share this interest in making food part of the activity. Riding to eat sounds like my perfect day. Cycle hard, enjoy the view, eat.

One classic ride-to-eat route for Seattle-area cyclists leads to the Redhook Brewery in Woodinville. If you’re willing to ride the Burke-Gilman Trail out to the brewery and cycle home with a belly full of beer, be my guest.

Some prefer lighter fare for their rides, although it also depends on your definition of light. If you’re riding that far for a meal, I tend to think anything you want to eat is fair game, including the legendarily large cinnamon rolls at Maltby Cafe in Snohomish. I’m partial to burgers and bakeries but, hey, I like any excuse to eat. Some choices:

HONEY BEAR BAKERY

17171 Bothell Way N.E.

Lake Forest Park

This bakery is conveniently tucked off the Burke-Gilman Trail for those days when you want a nice ride, but you’re not in the mood for beer at Redhook — or the extra 9 miles required to get there. Stop at Honey Bear for brunch or lunch, or pick from the delectable pastries such as an organic cinnamon roll or organic blueberry scone.

Details: From Gas Works Park in Seattle, 10 miles one-way on the Burke-Gilman Trail. More info: http://1.usa.gov/gEwUpF.BLACKBIRD BAKERY

210 Winslow Way E.

Bainbridge Island

We will take any excuse possible to get on a ferryboat and head directly to Blackbird Bakery on Bainbridge. This adorable little cafe boasts homemade granola, refreshing rosemary lemonade and warming soups served with delicious bread. Hop on the ferry with your bike, take in the vistas of Puget Sound and finish up with a slice of very fine pie.

Instead of riding to Redhook, consider heading up the Burke-Gilman Trail and making a beeline for the Maltby Cafe. This place is renowned for its enormous breakfasts and even bigger cinnamon rolls. This is one worth riding for.

Details: Gas Works Park to Maltby Cafe is a 46-mile round trip. Take the Burke-Gilman Trail to the Sammamish River Trail. Take Northeast 175th onto Woodinville-Duvall Road, a left onto 156th Ave. N.E., which becomes 75th Ave. S.E., then Bostian Road. Turn left on Paradise Lake Road, a right on Yew Way, a left onto Maltby Road. More info: Use www.ridewithgps.com or www.mapmyride.com for detailed directions.

BLACK DIAMOND BAKERY

32805 Railroad Ave.

Black Diamond

Cyclists go nuts for the Black Diamond Bakery, so I’m told. A trip to the bakery is definitely for determined cyclists willing to do the mileage to get to hearty breakfasts and scratch pies. Numerous routes lead to and from the bakery, and we admire some cyclists with phenomenal willpower who start their rides from the most faraway places.